Senior Civil Engineer

Damwatch Engineering – Christchurch, South Island Damwatch Engineering Ltd has an opportunity for a Senior Civil Engineer focused on civil engineering design and delivery of projects for a full-time role based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Damwatch is a specialised engineering consultancy with focus on dam design, dam civil, safety, and the civil infrastructure associated with dams and water-retaining structures across New Zealand and overseas. Due to increased workload in the South Island, we are seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer to initially support the delivery of site-based civil construction projects, with opportunities to contribute to engineering design and develop experience in dam engineering and dam safety practice. The Role We are looking for a Civil Engineer with at least 7 years' experience in civil engineering construction delivery, including site-based works, contractor coordination, construction observation, quality assurance, and practical problem solving. Experience in engineering design will be valuable, but this role is primarily focused on helping deliver civil infrastructure projects safely, efficiently, and to a high technical standard. The Senior Civil Engineer role is an opportunity to work with a group of professional engineers on challenging South Island projects, applying strong general civil engineering skills while also gaining direct exposure to Damwatch's specialist dam design, dam safety, and water infrastructure work. Why this role This is a practical, hands-on role for a civil engineer who enjoys seeing projects through from design intent to successful construction outcomes. You will have the opportunity to take a visible site delivery role on important infrastructure projects, work directly with clients and contractors, and be supported by a collaborative team of experienced engineers. The role also offers a strong pathway to build capability in dam engineering, dam design, and dam safety while contributing general civil and construction developing broader technical and delivery skills. Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of civil construction works on South Island projects. Work closely with clients, contractors, and design teams to resolve site issues, maintain progress, and achieve quality, health, safety, and environmental requirements. Provide construction observation, site reporting, quality documentation, and practical engineering advice during delivery. Contribute an active, hands-on engineering leadership style on site and within project teams. Support design inputs, constructability reviews, and continuous improvement in project delivery processes. Ideally you will have the following attributes: Hold a civil engineering degree or equivalent. Have an interest in a broad range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects, particularly site-based delivery and practical construction outcomes. Demonstrated civil engineering experience associated with design, construction delivery, site supervision, earthworks, structures, drainage, water infrastructure, roading, or other general civil works. Demonstrated capability for analysis, problem solving and innovation. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). Strong understanding of construction documentation, specifications, inspection and test plans, quality records, and site reporting. Experience coordinating with contractors, clients, and multidisciplinary design teams to resolve technical and construction issues. Practical project delivery experience, including programme awareness, cost awareness, risk management, and use of project management tools and systems. The ability to interact with design streams including geotechnical, structural, hydraulic, and civil design disciplines. Ability to achieve tight deadlines in a pressurised environment. Willingness to travel within the South Island and elsewhere in New Zealand as required to meet our commitments to clients. Damwatch would offer you: A great collegial environment with fellow engineers who love what they do. The prospect of working alongside world-class technical specialists. Experience and mentoring in dam engineering, dam design, and dam safety from recognised specialists in the field. The opportunity to work on exciting and demanding civil infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on the South Island. A meaningful site-based construction support, construction observation, and quality assurance role. Personal, technical, and professional development. A competitive remuneration package. Closing Date is 21st August 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr